Chicago Cubs News: Aging free agents; Montgomery’s role

The Chicago Cubs are still trying to wait and see what Mike Montgomery’s role will be. And it will all depend on if they add another free agent pitcher. And why are teams not delving out big money for free agents? Check their birth certificates.

The Chicago Cubs have a fifth starter in place in Mike Montgomery–for now. All of that will depend on if the Cubs add another pitcher via free agency. Montgomery has stated that he wants to be a starter. His results were a mixed bag, as he often didn’t get very deep into games. But there’s potential there, but curious if the Cubs want to see it. They like Monty as a swingman and would like to keep him in that role. So for now, he’s the No. 5. That is until they get someone else.

Gone are the days when a team would reward a player in his 30s with a seven-plus year deal. And it seems that it came to a halt rather quickly as teams have embraced the role of sabermetrics in the game of baseball today. Jake Arrieta may have pitched well for the Cubs, helping lead them to their first World Series in 108 years. But he won’t get paid as he hoped, as at one time he was looking at a potential $175 million or more.

On Tuesday, Baseball America’s J.J. Cooper had a fun idea. Create an All-Star team using only your clubs top 100 prospects of all time. It was a bit daunting, but the success of the recent top picks has made this a little bit easier. Are most still with the team? Or did the Cubs have to deal some of them for talent? We’ve got the list for you here at Cubbies Crib.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Looking at the Cubs fifth starter–right now’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Is free agency changing forever?‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs’ All-Star team from top 100 prospects all time’ – Cubbies Crib

‘5 reasons the Astros will (or won’t) repeat’ – MLB.com

‘Is the union ready for a spring showdown?’ – ESPN

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